Hand cramps/discomfort/pain?

[Drache713]

So I have noticed that playing my RG7421 that the neck is flat and thin obviously, and playing it for a while causes my hand to cramp up and it becomes uncomfortable and mildly painful. If I were to play a guitar with a bigger and/or rounder neck, would this help to alleviate the discomfort/pain/cramp problem(s) in any significant way? I would say I have medium-to-large hands in terms of size.

[TomAwesome]

How tightly are you holding it? Usually when this happens, rather than the neck, it's more of an issue of the player gripping too tight or otherwise tensing their muscles too much. Use just enough force to bring the string down to the fret. Much more than that is just excessive.

[MetalMike]

Yes. Playing with a guitar with a larger neck profile would alleviate some of your symptoms. My advice however, is to take a break from guitar all together for a minimum of three days and stretch your hands out prior to even touching the guitar.

I had a few minor issues with hand pain, but I know Drew had a hard time with tendonitis at one point. When he chimes in, he can give you better advice than I can.

It's scary to not be able to physically play guitar. Good luck man.

[Drache713]

Originally Posted by TomAwesome

How tightly are you holding it? Usually when this happens, rather than the neck, it's more of an issue of the player gripping too tight or otherwise tensing their muscles too much. Use just enough force to bring the string down to the fret. Much more than that is just excessive.

I only really get a chance to play these days at band practice, and I tend to get pretty into it so I'm gripping pretty hard. and if it's worth mentioning i have the guitar on my strap set up pretty high.

[Drache713]

Originally Posted by MetalMike

Yes. Playing with a guitar with a larger neck profile would alleviate some of your symptoms. My advice however, is to take a break from guitar all together for a minimum of three days and stretch your hands out prior to even touching the guitar.

I had a few minor issues with hand pain, but I know Drew had a hard time with tendonitis at one point. When he chimes in, he can give you better advice than I can.

It's scary to not be able to physically play guitar. Good luck man.

It hasn't gotton to THAT point for me and hopefully it won't. I'll just be playing for a while and i'll start to notice that it's uncomfortable and my hand is cramping up, and i have to stop playing for like 30 seconds and then I start up again and I'm good for a while longer.

[TomAwesome]

Originally Posted by Drache713

I only really get a chance to play these days at band practice, and I tend to get pretty into it so I'm gripping pretty hard. and if it's worth mentioning i have the guitar on my strap set up pretty high.

Well there you go! Just ease up on the grip as much as you can manage, and that that should help. I don't think the guitar being up high is bad as long as it's in a comfortable position.

[yevetz]

It was with me too....you'll get over it

[guitarplayerone]

if you are gripping too hard like that, then your fretting hand isnt ready for a thin neck yet... go to GC and try a hellraiser or a COW

[Groff]

Originally Posted by Drache713

So I have noticed that playing my RG7421 that the neck is flat and thin obviously, and playing it for a while causes my hand to cramp up and it becomes uncomfortable and mildly painful. If I were to play a guitar with a bigger and/or rounder neck, would this help to alleviate the discomfort/pain/cramp problem(s) in any significant way? I would say I have medium-to-large hands in terms of size.

As stated earlier, give a Schecter Hellraise, or C-7 a try. Ibanez makes GREAT necks, but they're just not for me. Schecter necks are a bit more rounded, so I can grip it without scrunching my hand up

[Universalis]

Theorically, the more you get used to a "correct" handling of the guitar the more you'll be able to avoid pain, tendonitis etc. And for "correct" I mean the most relaxed and orthodox handling you can use.

[milnersXcoupe]

Yes, your Guitar position can cause hand cramping.

Hands connect with mid spine nerve bundles - the lower and middle of your back in a wide spread.

Should the 'flow' of information strike sharp angularity along the path - your muscles then fight against each other - your grip will become more intense with less relaxation - eventually using up all the available neuro muscular 'fuel' - hence 'cramping'.

Your arm should 'drape' from the shoulder - without sharp angles in elbow or wrist up to the Guitar neck - take a look at Classic Guitar Players positions...
there's a reason.


Fuels:

Omega 3 Oil is the Fuel of Muscles - and Brain - and Joints and soft Tissues.

The body needs a large supply of it - and extracts it from joints and muscles to fuel the Brain should your diet be low in Omega 3 oils.

Puritan's Pride Vitamins: Discount Vitamins and Herbal Supplements

Purchase Omega 3 oil gel caps.

Optimum Levels:

EPA - 465 MG
DHA - 375 MG

Take Four Times Daily.

If you have a Prescription Drug Plan that allows you a $3.00 co-pay,
get a script from your Physician for:

OMACOR

this is Pharmaceutical Omega 3 -

taken at the above dosages you will avoid a Stroke and Heart Attack as stated by The American Stroke Association - for Life.



Over the counter Omega 3 is roughly one third the strength - so adjust your
dosage accordingly.


Powdered Vitamins and Minerals at ALL ONE

'Phyto Green' is the product to purchase.

'Going Green' is the Free product disclosure - 1 - 800 - 235 - 5727 .

Mix with Westsoy Plain Enriched Soy Milk - in blender - 1 Lg. coffee scoop to
glass and half of Soy Milk.


Glucosamine Chondroiten: Buy at the Drug Store - rebuilds cartilage in finger joints in conjunction with 'All One' Nutrient 'Phyto Green' / Omega 3 use.

Purchase an plug in style Electric hand held 'Massager' - you Drug Store or Wal Mart.

Plug in next to bed - in evening turn it on leaving the 'Heat' off.

Place hand palm down onto 'Massager' - half hour each hand.

Massage effect allows cartilage to 'reshape' and 'resize' as well
as pumping in Nutrients to restore the structures.


Do the above - your hands will remain 'Forever Young' -